Former Birmingham City boss linked with AFC Wimbledon vacancy

Bury manager Lee Clark laughing during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Southend United and Bury at Roots Hall, Southend, England on 30 April 2017. Photo by Matthew Redman.

Former Birmingham City manager Lee Clark is being linked with the managerial vacancy at Sky Bet League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons are searching for their first new manager in more than six years after former boss Neil Ardley left his position by mutual consent yesterday.

AFC Wimbledon have openly advertised their managerial vacancy with applications being invited until the close of business on Friday.

According to English Football League sponsors Sky Bet, former Birmingham City manager Clark could be one of the names in the frame for the job at Kingsmeadow. At this stage, it is not known whether Clark has applied for The Dons’ managerial vacancy, however, he could be keen to return to management after spending the last year without a job since leaving then-Sky Bet League One club Bury.

The 46-year-old started his managerial career with Huddersfield Town where he won 48.6% of his overall matches in charge before a turbulent spell at Birmingham City which saw Clark guide the club to Sky Bet Championship survival on the final day of the 2013/2014 campaign.

Spells with Blackpool, Kilmarnock and Bury followed but Clark failed to hit the same heights as he did in his first job at Huddersfield Town. Clark’s stint with latest club Bury saw the former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder last just eight months. He was dismissed in October 2017 with the club in the relegation zone in Sky Bet League One.

Managerless AFC Wimbledon are second-bottom of the third tier after collecting just 11 points from their first 17 games.